Fidel Castro’s Fall

I am saddened--but not surprised--that The Nation foreign editor George Black is offended by our contest to predict the date of Fidel Castro’s ouster as dictator of Cuba (“The Futility of Nipping at Castro’s Hills,” Commentary, Aug. 5). In the peculiar orthodoxy of the left, it is correct--or rather expected--to yearn for the fall of right-wing tyrants, but Marxist “Revolutions” (even those going on their 32 year without elections) merit a special understanding.

Black puts forth some tired old arguments about why Castro’s is not the “despised tyranny” that was Ceausescu’s in Romania. He even cites the massive Cuban crowds assembled for May Day as proof of Fidel’s popular following. I saw similar government-orchestrated rallies for Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua while reporting on the election campaign there; we all know how accurate a story those throngs foretold.

No, sorry George, there’s nothing perverse about welcoming Fidel’s fall; it’s only natural in this era of deposed despots. What is perverse is to coddle Castro.

Fidel Castro is a very evil man who destroyed a nation and ruined the lives of thousands of better men than he. It will be a day to celebrate when he falls--be it by bullet or ballot. Those who disagree with Mr. Black and welcome that day can enter our contest by simply dropping a postcard giving the exact date (and year) they think Castro will fall. The address is CIS, 122 C Street N.W., Suite 710, Washington, D.C. 20001.

PETER LaBARBERA

Communications Director

Council for Inter-American Security

Washington, D.C.